Runway Drainage Characteristics Related to Tire Friction Performance

912156

09/01/1991

Event
Aerospace Technology Conference and Exposition
Authors Abstract
Content
The capability of a runway pavement to rapidly drain water buildup during periods of precipitation is crucial to minimize tire hydroplaning potential and maintain adequate aircraft ground operational safety. Test results from instrumented aircraft, ground friction measuring vehicles, and NASA Langley's Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility (ALDF) track have been summarized to indicate the adverse effects of pavement wetness conditions on tire friction performance. Water drainage measurements under a range of rainfall rates have been evaluated for several different runway surface treatments including the transversely grooved and longitudinally grinded concrete surfaces at the Space Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The major parameters influencing drainage rates and extent of flooding/drying conditions are identified. Existing drainage test data are compared to a previously derived empirical relationship and the need for some modification is indicated. The scope of future NASA Langley research directed towards improving empirical relationships to properly define runway drainage capability and consequently, enhance aircraft ground operational safety, is given.
Meta TagsDetails
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4271/912156
Pages
10
Citation
Yager, T., "Runway Drainage Characteristics Related to Tire Friction Performance," SAE Technical Paper 912156, 1991, https://doi.org/10.4271/912156.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Sep 1, 1991
Product Code
912156
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English